(in a whisper) Here's a little secret that should be a well known fact...in my opinion..."We (naturals) have more fun!"
I decided to type up a few Questions I have been asked followed by my honest response. I call this part one because it's just the basics. In part two I'll discuss the more in depth hair care portion of being natural along with some natural hair styles. Part one is for the curious seeking information on the natural hair care journey
When did I decided to go natural?
I original decided to go natural when I lived in Miami, in the beginning of 2007. I didn't want to cut off my hair, so I started growing it out and stopped getting perms (transitioned). I kept my hair tucked away under weave for the most part. Later that year I moved to Tallahassee and couldn't afford to manage my hair the way I did in Miami, by that time it had been 9 months since I had gotten a perm. I didn't know how to tame my hair, especially with a portion of it being permed. So I felt that going "Natural" wasn't for me at the time and I permed it :(
I went threw man hair changes since that time. My hair had been colored multiple times and cut just as much if not more. In the summer of 2008 I had a friend cut off all my hair real short similar to Rhianna's hair at the time. I enjoyed that hair style for the remainder of the summer and a portion of the fall, until my mother saw it and nearly cussed me out. I knew then that it was "TIME" to end that permy chapter in my life and enter into my natural hair journey. My last perm was at the end of November 2008. I transitioned once again and did my own BIG CHOP (its exactly what it sounds like: the cutting off of all your permed hair) in the Summer of 2009...I have been a happy nappy since.
Why did I go natural?
Going natural was something I had wanted to do for a long time. I personally despised perms. My scalp was not a fan at all. I remember crying on numerous occasions because the perm was burning so bad. In a resolute of it my scalp suffered for my actions and would scab often. I just got tired of it. My mother played a large role in the timing of when I decided to go natural because I valued her opinion. After she gave me more than a piece of her mind and cussed me out for cutting my hair so short, I felt like I had to prove something. She told me my hair was never going to grow back because it was so short. Two years later and my hair is longer than what I usually grew it out to be.
I also wanted my hair to be in its natural state. I loved the look of those woman that had the courage to be themselves and wear their hair naturally and not care what society had to say. I did what a lot of woman have wanted to do, but just never did because of fear.
What's so good about being natural?
I wouldn't know were to begin with that question. For me being natural is so much fun. I am amazed at my curl pattern and texture of my hair. Natural hair is very versatile and very easy to manipulate. If you want your hair straight you can do it! Curly...you can do that too! Wavy? Yes it's true you can do that too! (Sorry for my Dr. Seuss moment...lol) but seriously you can do so much with natural hair, ponytails, Afro's, braids, braid outs, two strand twist, twist outs, flat twist, Bantu knots, roller set, rod set and more. *Like I said earlier we have more fun!* Being natural for some allows them to be creative with funky hair styles like fro-hawks and other fun styles.
Is it easier being natural?
I can say that it requires more work. At least to me it does. Everyone is different and may take care of their hair differently. For myself however, I do find natural hair requires more love, more attention, more care, more tenderness, more EVERYTHING! For me I don't mind it, because at the end of the day I can see not only a growth in my hair, but a growth in myself. I love and appreciate MYSELF more as a natural. I'm taking better care of my hair. I'm excited to try new styles with my hair, I love to see African American women grow out their natural hair to lengths that we were typically told we would or couldn't reach. You would be amazed to see how many natural girls hair reaches their shoulder, mid back, waist and longer. Not to say that that isn't obtainable with a perm...it just does happen as often. (In my opinion). So I say all that to say this, natural hair is not easier than a perm but for me I wouldn't trade it for the world because all the hard work is sooooo worth it.
Do you receive more compliments?
YES! YES! YES! I have found that being natural is like being a part of a hair club. Other natural woman understand were you have been and respect you choice to be natural. They support you, uplift and motivate you. I almost feel as if its an unspoken word or bond between us. I receive many complaints on my hair from other natural woman who aren't afraid to come up to you and say "I LOVE YOUR HAIR!" I am not ashamed to say that I am THAT person as well because I UNDERSTAND. Men compliment me as well, some say that it is very sexy to see a woman "rocking" her natural hair. Others may not have a preference but they still like/love my hair.
Are their any cons to being natural?
You have to be strong with knowing that you are not your hair. You also have to realize that being natural is not for everyone, you may encounter those who dislike your life style choice (being natural is a life style choice). Were as others will embrace it. When I first went natural I got a lot of beef for it. Some that said they didn't like natural hair at all. Some said it was not pprofessional...however I still don't see what is so un-professional about wearing my hair the way God intended it to be. (*Kanye shrug) Never the less when my hair grew out and I was able to play with new styles, the negative comments became almost non-existent (There is one person that still doesn't like my hair, and always threatens to perm it...I no longer allow that to bother me). In fact I get so many people that ask me about my hair and how they want to go natural and ask for advice. The funny thing is a lot of those same people that would make fun or talk badly about my natural hair are or considering going natural...the irony in that. Within the last two years I have seen so many others follow in my foot steps with the decision. It's GREAT!
How to care for your hair?
Honestly there is so much to talk about when it comes to natural hair care. Everyone is different, as far as your hair type, products used, time spent and so much more that factor into your hair growth and development. For this post I wont go into detail about the many different techniques or things you can do to take care of your hair, but I can say that the number one thing I have found, that is very important is moisturize your hair! Secondly protect your ends! Maintaing length is everything! Look out for more post about natural hair care.
Big Chop or Not?
I would suggest doing a big chop earlier than later. It was very hard for me when I transitioned because I wanted to take proper care of my natural hair but it was hard trying to tend to the needs of my natural hair and permed hair. I will say that it is a hard choice to make, deciding to big chop earlier verse later. You have to have the confidence to own your TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro). I waited a few months, but my best friend chopped it off after a few weeks. She owned it! My main reason for saying cut it off is the transitioning stages can be very frustrating and may leave you feeling like you want to run away and abandon your desire to go natural, which later can lead to regret if you do abandon it. I say this from experience. I attempted to go natural once, turned my back on it and later down the line wished I had stuck to it. (Although I wish I had gone natural sooner, I am aware that everything in due timing...I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason).
Inspiration
I enjoyed looking at photos of others that chose to go natural, it was inspiring and exciting, I couldn't and still can't wait to see my hairs potential!
Fact: Madam Walker did NOT invent the chemical perm. It is a very large misconception that people have.
Fact: Garrett Augustus Morgan, Sr. stumbled across what we now know as the perm (for African Americans) one day while attempting to create a new lubrication for a machine needle. After wiping his hands off on a wool cloth he realized that the portion of the cloth he had wiped his hands on the day prior was smooth. He duplicated the mixture, and tested it out a dog once he got the resolutes he wanted, he then tried it on himself.
*For more info on what a relaxer can do to you, visit this site I stumbled across one day
http://atlanta-hair.ning.com/profiles/blogs/9-reasons-to-avoid-perms-and
